The cast of A&E’s runaway hit reality series “Duck Dynasty” has received big raises right before Season 4 premieres, Deadline reports.

‘Four times more’

After prolonged talks, the Robertsons will earn approximately $200,000 an episode to be divided among the nine adults and 11 kids. This is about four times more than what the family banked previously. The new deal also includes additional seasons of the series, and series/cast options.

Talks for a new agreement began in early 2013 and initially delayed production on Season 4. “Duck Dynasty” eventually began production while negotiations were still underway.

‘Most-watched A&E series telecast in network history’

The Season 3 finale of “Duck Dynasty” was the most-watched A&E series telecast in network history, grabbing 9.6 million viewers and 5.5 million viewers in the adults ages 18-49 demographic.

“Duck Dynasty” returns Wednesday at 10/9c on A&E.

Are you a fan of the ‘Duck Dynasty’ reality series? Do you think that huge salary bump is well-deserved by the cast? Feel free to share your thoughts, expectations, and opinions with us regarding this latest celebrity news. Let your voice be heard via the comment box below!

You may not know who Alan Robertson is, but come August 14 when “Duck Dynasty” returns for its fourth season on A&E, he’ll be a household name.

‘Clean shaven face’

The full-time Louisiana pastor is leaving the pulpit to join his family as the newest cast member of the hit reality series. Alan, 47, will manage public relations and speaking engagements for his parents, Phil and Kay Robertson, his Uncle Si and the rest of the family.

Alan told the New York Post he decided to sign up for his family’s reality show so he could spread his religious beliefs to a larger audience. And he noted that one thing that separates him from the other male members of his family is his clean shaven face.

‘Crazy world’

The Robertson family has gained fame, and lots of attention, since “Dynasty” began airing, something Alan admitted he may not be fully prepared for.

“My children are grown, but all of my brothers’ children are teenagers now, so how is this crazy world going to impact them?” Alan told the newspaper. “We think about John Luke and Sadie, who are such a big part of the show and they’re teenagers, you know? They need to be just normal teenagers. We pray about that.”

Do you think Alan Robertson will grow a beard in ‘Duck Dynasty’ Season 4? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions with us via the comment box below!

Mark Balelo, a star of A&E’s Storage Wars, was found dead in his car, the victim of an apparent suicide, reports TMZ.com.

‘Drug-related offense’

The Portuguese-born Balelo, 40, fatally suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the website, which says his idle vehicle was parked and running inside the garage of his auction house in Simi Valley, Calif. He was said to have been discovered by one of his employees Monday morning.

Last Saturday, says TMZ, Balelo had been arrested for a drug-related offense, and Sunday he reportedly was visited by his fiancée, responding to his request to come see him. Authorities are investigating his death.

‘Started as a hobby’

According to his A&E bio, Balelo lived with his family in Brazil from the age of 3 to 14, when he went to work on one of his family’s tuna boats. He eventually went to San Diego, Calif., then Newport Beach, finally moving up to Los Angeles, where he sold expensive European cars – until the economic crash of 2008. Then, he said, he started “selling things on eBay from home. It started as a hobby and quickly turned into an empire.”

What do you think was the main factor that drove Mark Balelo to commit suicide? Share your thoughts regarding this recent celebrity death. Type your opinions in the comment box below!

Ryan Buell, paranormal investigator and star of A&E’s hit series Paranormal State, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He is 30 years old.

Buell, who wrote a memoir, Paranormal State: My Journey Into the Unknown, in 2010, has been speaking out about his battle on his official fan page. And he wants to make something clear: He’s not the only one struggling with this terrible disease.

The post asks that Buell’s fans support organizations that are working to find a cure and organizations that offer support to loved ones of those with the disease, citing the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its taking action initiative. He shared a superhero-esque photo of himself (with the headline “Cancer: Even the Greatest of Heroes Have to Take the Fight Within … Soldier On!”).

“I know there are many of you suffering from illnesses, and not just cancer. I say to all of you: SOLDIER ON!” Buell wrote with the photo. “I know the pain that you will feel. And the pain for treatment. I still say SOLDIER ON! Let’s think of one another during those moments, even though we don’t know each other.”

Pancreatic cancer is highly lethal and claims the lives of thousands every year – Steve Jobs (who had a rare form) and Patrick Swayze were two of the most public patients to battle the disease.

Do you know someone who is also fighting a battle with cancer? Tell us how these stories inspire you to fight everyday’s battles!